How to Dress for Weird Weather

This unpredictable weather we are experiencing lately makes dressing a major challenge. I don't know about you, but when we had that super hot week I put away all my woolies and brought out my maxi dresses, flip-flops and jean shorts, and started stocking up my summer wardrobe. Then snow happened, only 4C weather, and lots and lots of rain with very chilly wind.

So how is one supposed to dress for this weather? Do you keep your winter jacket out or put it in storage? Do you wear boots or can you get away with shoes? Do you still wear tights or go with bare legs? These are questions we are debating each day when we dress. We all want it to be summer, but mother nature is playing tricks on us and we need to be prepared for whatever weather throws our way.

So what can women wear for this time of year that will be comfortable, practical, and fashionable? The best advice that I can give you is LAYERING. Layer, layer, and layer some more. Seriously. Either way, layering makes sure you are appropriately dressed in any temperature; you can add or take off a layer at any moment. Since we are Canadian, and love sitting on patios before the appropriate weather graces us with its presence, I'm sure you have sat there and thought, "Man, I wish I had brought a sweater" or "Why didn't I wear a jacket today?"

Some quick layering tips:
A tank top is the best first layering piece. If tanks aren't really your thing, opt for a three-quarter-length sleeved T-shirt. Over the tank or T-shirt, wear a light weight cardigan or sweater for the cold winds that we are experiencing. Next, get yourself a solid spring jacket. Put that winter jacket AWAY! What type of spring jacket is the best? Well, denim jackets, trench coats, or cotton jackets are all solid options. Also, look for a spring jacket that has a removable lining -- this allows you to remove the lining should one day be hotter than another.

Scarves are the best accessory. Not only do they look really good, but they also keep us warm. Should winds pick up, scarves can be wrapped around our heads to ward off that chilly breeze, or if unexpected rain comes, they protect our hair from getting drenched when you don't have your friend the umbrella nearby.

Wear loafers with patterned socks. You can find some amazing patterned socks today that can look professional or casual. It adds a punch of style to your look. If the weather gets too hot you can remove your socks and just wear your loafers with bare feet. Pair your loafers with a skinny pant that cuts at the ankle for a more contemporary look. When the weather warms by late afternoon you could swap out your loafer with a wedge sandal (I'm sure you keep an extra pair of shoes in your desk at work! If not, you should!).

You can wear tights. Instead of wearing opague tights, go for a sheer tight that has a pattern. This way you won't over heat if the weather gets hot.

Opt for jeans or pants with thicker material. Avoid lightweight linens or cottons. Do not start wearing capris, shorts, or mini skirts. If you want to wear a skirt, wear a maxi skirt, or if you want to wear a dress, wear a maxi dress paired with a blazer.

Just remember that the key is layering. Layer with what you got! Luckily, the style right now is not matchy-matchy, so it's okay to mix patterns.

Want you want to do right now with this weather is to stay warm or cool, or at least be prepared for either!

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WHAT NOT TO WEAR FOR SPRING

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Separately, these two items are great: flip-flops keep your feet cool in the summer, and down keeps your body warm and toasty in the winter. Together, they're awful -- a complete fashion disaster. If you can go basically shoeless, do you really need to wear a jacket made for sub-zero temps on the upper-half of your body? No. Never. Ever.
Credit: Havaianas/Canada Goose

If you want your feet to feel a little bit of the springtime air, opt for a cute pair of ballet flats. You won't fully be exposing your toes to the elements, but they will get a hint of eau de spring. Balance the flats out with a bright and colourful trench like this one.
Credit: ALDO/Joe Fresh

Skirts are cute. We love wearing them all year round. The only problem is some people get a little too ambitious with baring their legs as soon as the weather begins to warm up. Skirts worn with stockings is a definite spring wardrobe yes. But paired with legwarmers (a clothing item made for the soul purpose of keeping your legs, err, warm) so you can flash a little leg skin? Um, no. Just. No.
Credit: American Apparel/Anthropologie

Wearing a maxi dress will give you the same "airy" feeling of a shorter skirt, without exposing your legs to the elements. Top with a cropped blazer and a pair of ballet flats and you'll be dressed -- in a sexy and girly way -- for the weather appropriately.
Credit: Anthropologie

This one is just too obvious (so it's super confusing as to why we see this look all over city and town streets): if your arms can be exposed to the elements (sans jacket or long-sleeved T-shirt), you most certainly do not need a hat to keep your head warm. Especially one with ear flaps.
Credit: Gap/Roots

Balance out your desire to wear lighter clothes with a lightweight jacket. And, to combat any chill you may feel, grab one with a hood -- you'll have something appropriate to warm your head with.
Credit: Eddie Bauer

Seriously, guys? Shorts paired with Uggs? Why does anyone think this is a good idea? If your legs can withstand Mother Nature's temperatures, you do not need to wear the equivalent of a winter boot (that should only ever be worn après ski) on your feet. The look is completely ridiculous. And should be banned.
Credit: Uggs/J.Crew

This is an obvious trend to reach for if you want to wear shorts in the spring. Check out all of the fabulous shoe/short/stocking ideas on the amazing blog Lovelyish.
Credit: Lovelyish

Vests are a great winter/spring transitional wardrobe piece -- if it's warm enough outside to wear them with only a long-sleeved tee. We'll even allow them to be worn with a turtleneck. But if you have to wear a wool scarf with your vest just to stay warm, said outerwear should be put away until the barometer rises. Wearing a scarf with a vest is not be an option. Repeat: Not. An. Option.
Credit: Old Navy/Topshop

Instead of wearing a vest with a scarf, reach for an outfit that's layered. You'll achieve the same-ish look that you're going for -- relaxed -- but you'll also stay warm. We love the look of this jean shirt under a sweater. Alternatively, reach for a cardi that has a higher neck (you can button it all the way up if you get cold).
Credit: J.Crew